A Cornish woman who lost and gained a total of 70 stone after a lifetime of yo-yo dieting will be sharing her experiences at a special event in Truro hosted by The Bariatric Group later this week.

Alison Batchelor, a former patient and success story for The Bariatric Group has battled with her weight since the age of nine after contracting rheumatic fever. As a result of having to take steroids she saw her weight climb from 6st to 9st in a matter of weeks. In the many years that followed Alison has lost and gained 45 stone through extreme diets that included having her teeth wired closed.

Following being introduced to the option of a gastric bypass procedure she underwent the operation with The Bariatric Group In 2009 and has now lost just over 5 stone and maintains a healthy weight of 9st 7lbs.

Alison will be telling her story at a special Open Evening being held by The Bariatric Group 6.30pm on 19th June at Duchy Hospital, Truro.

The Bariatric Group are specialists in weight loss surgery. Which includes, Gastric Banding, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Intragastric Balloon procedures. Operating in Truro, Taunton, Bristol and London, they also hold aftercare clinics in, Plymouth, Bournemouth and Tunbridge Wells, giving their patients a local option for follow up. After opening in 2003, they were awarded the title of First International Centre of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery in the UK. They currently have 7 experienced consultant bariatric surgeons undertaking operations, all of which run their own NHS practices. Over the last three years they have collectively performed over 2,000 operations within the region, including NHS and private patients.

Ali Fry, managing director of The Bariatric Group and a former patient herself said; “In our vast experience that are many women and men out there that have spent very many years battling with their weight. The aim of this special evening is that anyone interested in finding out more or considering weight loss surgery can simply come along to find out more about the procedures and hear from someone that has suffered in the same way that they have. They will also hear a presentation on the procedures from Tanya Porter, Patient Liaison Manager and former patient of The Bariatric Group and also from Consultant Bariatric Surgeon, Mr Ian Finlay, who will also be answering any medical questions.”

Anyone interested in coming along is asked to contact Tanya on 01823 215714 or see www.thebariatricgroup.co.uk